Darts
International Darts Open: The Rockstar hoping to defend his crown
The International Darts Open takes place in Riesa, Germany this weekend, with a solid field including the likes of Gerwyn Price, Peter Wright, Jonny Clayton and Michael van Gerwen shooting it out for the £25,000 prize.
In this blog, we take a look at the main players in the tournament, and how each of them could fare heading into the weekend.
Rockstar bidding to defend his title
It’s only fair to start with the reigning European Champion Joe Cullen, who has been enjoying a stellar start to the year. Winning the Masters, qualifying for the Premier League and adding back-to-back Players Championship titles to the trophy cabinet has proven that the Rockstar is playing the darts of his life. He hasn’t quite found the consistency that players such as Clayton have, but he’s certainly unlocked a whole new level of performance.
He beat Michael van Gerwen in the final of this in 2020 and has been recently quoted as saying that he’s now got that ‘fear factor’ about him. He’s a deadly player in this sort of form and is certainly one to keep an eye on at 9/1.
Price looking to continue hot streak
The Iceman (4/1) has been turning up the heat recently, evident by his history-making display at last week’s Premier League. Price hit two televised nine-darts in one night, a feat only accomplished by Phil Taylor back in 2010. Price has, however, become the first man to hit three nine darts in a calendar year.
He looked almost untouchable in the Premier League and if coming into this tournament with the same mindset, could blow the competition away.
World Champion aiming for European success
Peter Wright is another who has jumped out of the starting stalls quickly, becoming a two-time World Champion and then romping Night 1 of the Premier League. Since then, he hasn’t looked his dangerous self but is never one to be counted out. He’s always one that has the ability to go deep in these tournaments and has already expressed his desire to become world number one.
Wright, like Cullen, is another who has picked up a Players Championship title this year. He’ll be eager to add to that and can do so this weekend, with him currently priced at 5/1.
The Ferret in fine fettle
It’s been a whirlwind year and a bit for Clayton (6/1), who has become a household name while sweeping up trophies ever since his Masters win in 2021. He’s become one of those players that you expect to be reaching the semi or quarter-finals in every tournament and, to be fair to him, has been doing just that. He currently sits atop the Premier League table, being the runner-up on Night 1 and following that up by winning Night 2.
When on his best form the Ferret is unplayable, and if he can bring his Premier League form into this weekend then he will be a match for anyone.
